How to Dig a Hole for a Tree

First, prepare a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball of your tree, add a handful of organic chicken pelleted fertiliser. With potted trees, handle the root ball carefully to keep it intact while you place it in the hole. Once it’s in, turn it so the best side of the tree is facing the direction you want. With burlapped root balls, cut the twine and remove the burlap (or at least push it to the bottom of the hole).

Backfill around the root ball, lightly packing the soil as you go. Frequently check the trunk to ensure that it’s straight. Use leftover soil as a berm to create a watering well.

Install Tree Stakes

Drive the stake into the ground underneath and through the root ball. The stake should be tied loosely to the trunk; do not lash it too tight.

Large trees may need two or three stakes placed several feet from the trunk.

Watering a Newly Planted Tree

Water the tree soon after planting and every day for several weeks afterward. By that point, the roots will have begun to grow out into the surrounding soil, and you can begin to gradually reduce the frequency of watering. Fertilise the following year again, then provide a moderate dose of fertilizer. A 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree will keep weeds out and reduce water loss.

After Care

Keep your new tree well-watered in the first growing season. In the following spring feed your new tree with an organic pelleted chicken manure. This will encourage plenty of new root growth and also get the leaves growing. With any trees that flower or fruit, a feed of potash is advisable.

Check your trees in autumn for cross branches and prune away any branches on top so no damage is caused.  If a tree has grown too big for your garden autumn time is great time to prune back branches. At this time also cut out any broken, damaged or dead branches.

If your tree has any lichen on the branches, in winter or spring before the buds emerge, spray your tree with Winter Tree Wash to remove.